Dr Jeannette Young, of Queensland Health, confirmed the batches of fruit came from a farm in south-east Queensland, and were sold to Woolworths, but could also have been distributed to other stores.

"If they do have any strawberries it would be safest to dispose of them," she said.

"One person did consume a contaminated strawberry and they're being assessed at the moment."

The Queensland Strawberry Growers Association said in a statement: "At this time, have reason to suspect that a disgruntled ex-employee may have orchestrated the occurrence, wherein sewing needles were found in a number of strawberries, in Queensland and Victoria,” a statement from the association said.

"To our current knowledge, two labels, Berry Licious and Berry Obsession are the only affected lines."

Strawberries bought from Thursday onwards are believed to be safe as they will be from a fresh batch.

A Woolworths spokesperson said the brands have been "temporarily withdrawn" from shelves wherever they are supplied.

HOSPITAL SHOOTING

'I ONLY STARTED THIS FOR MY KIDS'

"Woolworths takes food safety very seriously and we are looking into these claims with our supplier," it said in a statement.

"We are working closely with authorities as they investigate this matter.

"We have withdrawn Berry Obsession and Berrylicious branded strawberries from sale while this incident is being investigated."

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